Brussels, 14/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday, Commissioner Mario Monti met representatives from the European consumer organisation, BEUC, to discuss future rules to be applied to the distribution of cars, and reform of the rules on the control of mergers. Aware of the stakes at play for consumer welfare, Commissioner Monti is eager to receive the opinions of consumer rights associations regarding the projects, which are, "Too often in Europe, the only ways open to get producers to listen…who are unable to take the debates or fundamental interests of consumers at stake, into account". Jim Murray, BEUC Director, expressed strong support for EU competition policy, saying that, "it puts power in the hands of consumers, where it belongs". On the matter of car distribution, BEUC praised the Commission's recent proposals introducing more competition, in particular, the introduction of multi-brand dealerships and the loosened link between sales and after sales services which brings more choice and competitive prices for consumers. BEUC believes that the maintenance of exclusive distribution systems would leave manufacturers too tight a hand on dealers preventing effective price competition.